TPE Settings for Prusa MK3

Temperature Settings

Start with the nozzle at 215°C and the bed at 40°C. If you see poor layer adhesion, increase the nozzle temperature by 5°C increments. If you experience stringing, decrease the nozzle temperature by 5°C. For the first layer, you can increase the bed temperature by 5°C for better adhesion, then let it drop back to 40°C for subsequent layers.

The TPE filament has a recommended nozzle temperature range of 200-230°C and a bed temperature range of 30-50°C. The Prusa MK3 supports nozzle temperatures up to 300°C and bed temperatures up to 120°C, which fully covers the recommended range for this filament.

Speed & Quality

For the Prusa MK3, a print speed of 10-25 mm/s works well with TPE. The first layer should be printed at 15-25 mm/s for solid bed adhesion. Outer walls at 70-80% of the main speed produce cleaner surface finishes.

For quality-critical prints like miniatures or display pieces, reduce the speed to 10 mm/s and use a 0.12-0.16mm layer height. For draft or rapid prototyping, you can push the speed to 25 mm/s with a 0.24-0.28mm layer height. The standard 0.2mm layer height at 18 mm/s provides the best balance of speed and quality for most prints.

Bed Adhesion

PLA adheres well to PEI sheets (smooth or textured) without any adhesive. If using a glass bed, apply a thin layer of glue stick or hairspray. Clean the bed with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) before each print for consistent adhesion.

Common Issues with TPE on Prusa MK3

Here are the most common problems you may encounter when printing TPE on the Prusa MK3, along with proven solutions:

• Stringing: Lower nozzle temperature by 5°C and increase retraction distance slightly
• Warping (rare): Increase bed temperature to 60°C, use a brim, and clean the bed with IPA
• Poor layer adhesion: Increase nozzle temperature by 5°C and check if filament is wet
• Brittle prints: Filament may be old or moisture-damaged; try drying at 50°C for 4-5 hours

Tips for Best Results

Follow these expert tips to get the best possible prints with TPE on your Prusa MK3:

• Print a temperature tower to find the sweet spot for your specific PLA brand
• Store filament in an airtight container with desiccant when not in use
• Clean the bed with IPA before every print for consistent adhesion
• Use 100% cooling fan from layer 2 onward for best overhangs and bridging
• PLA is great for prototyping but avoid leaving prints in hot cars or direct sunlight

Support Settings

For prints requiring supports with TPE, use tree supports for easier removal and less scarring. Set a 0.15-0.2mm Z-distance between support and model. If you have a dual-extruder setup, consider PVA (for PLA/PETG) or HIPS (for ABS) as dedicated water/solvent-soluble support material.

TPE at a Glance

Prusa MK3 Specifications

The Prusa MK3 features a 250 x 210 x 210 mm build volume with a maximum print speed of 100 mm/s. It uses a direct drive extruder system, which provides better control over flexible and specialty filaments. The hotend can reach 300°C and the heated bed supports temperatures up to 120°C.